"He was busy doing other projects and away making a movie," says Dee. "But I said if there was an opportunity and Russell wanted to return to radio, I think there was something we could do at TalkSport."

"They are global names," adds Dee. "He is a Hollywood movie star and Noel belongs to the biggest band in the world. They will bring a level of notoriety to wherever they go. But it wouldn't work if they weren't genuinely passionate about sport and about football.

"I am delighted for TalkSport and delighted for commercial radio. I don't say that lightly. I think the work Russell did for Radio 2 was fantastic. I clearly don't agree with what happened on that infamous broadcast [on 18 October] but it doesn't stop Russell being a great radio talent. He belongs on the radio."

TalkSport is on a bit of a roll, with recent signings including Darren Gough, Stan Collymore, Danny Kelly and, er... Jeremy Kyle. Well, you can't win them all. But turning Brand's show into a regular event will be problematic – he's a busy man, after all, and so is Gallagher.

TalkSport had a record audience of 2.5 million weekly listeners across the final quarter of 2008, and now has 600,000 more than its commercial rival Absolute Radio.